Shadow Tableaux

Create shadow tableaux in groups, capturing scenes and exploring relationships.

Me & My Shadow Photo: Matt Byrne

What is a Tableau?

A tableaux is a frozen moment created by performers, like a live photograph. Performers must stay very still in a tableau.

The plural for tableau is tableaux.

Tableaux in Pairs

Use an overhead projector or torch to shine light onto a blank white wall or screen. In pairs, students create a frozen picture (a tableau) in a situation that they will show as a shadow. Try the following scenes:

Two people playing tennis
Two ballet dancers
An owner and their pet dog
Two runners in a race

Tableaux in Groups

Have students form small groups of 3–6. Each group creates four interrelated frozen poses that demonstrate the growth of a friendship between members of the group.

Tableau #1 is to represent the group meeting as strangers
Tableau # 2 is to represent the group getting to know each other
Tableau # 3 is to represent beginning to like each other
Tableau # 4 is to represent that the strangers are now friends

More activities to try

Sound You Can See Exciting experiments in sound, vibration and rhythm!

Try It

Storytime with Astrid: Shadow Catchers Astrid reads Shadow Catchers written by Kirsty Murray

Try It

Clap Sequence Tutorial Learn the clap sequence from Me & My Shadow.

Try It

FOR SCHOOLS: Me & My Shadow Plan Your Visit Everything you need to prepare for your visit to Me & My Shadow.

Try It